State Party News

OKGOP Weekly Update: July 17-21, 2017

Published: 17 July 2017

OKGOP Weekly Update: July 17-21 (amended)

Greetings Republicans,

This has been a busy summer for families and politics. The President has fought the media, the Democrats and yes, even some Republicans! But despite what you hear on the news, President Trump has successfully begun to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

This week we thought we would share the accomplishments the media is NOT talking about.

We are proud of Oklahoma's members of Congress who have not only supported the President's agenda but have been leaders in committees shaping policy.

PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

~Chairman Pam Pollard

POTUS’ SIX MONTHS OF AMERICA FIRST

“Together, we are working every day for the citizens of this country: protecting their safety, bringing back their jobs and, in all things, putting AMERICA FIRST.” – President Donald J. Trump

Top LineIn his first six months in office, President Trump’s leadership has made the American people stronger, safer, and more prosperous – and we are just getting started.

A renewed spirit of optimism and the President’s America First policies have led to economic growth unlike anything we have seen in many years.863,000 jobs have been added since January, including 821,000 in the private sector.79,000 construction jobs42,000 mining jobs41,000 manufacturing jobsAfrican Americans and teenagers (age 16 – 19) are experiencing their lowest unemployment rate since 2000.

President Trump has prioritized the safety and security of the American people, and restored our Nation’s standing on the world stage.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces recaptured Mosul from ISIS, a decisive blow that is one more step in fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to defeat them.

Illegal border crossings are down nearly 52 percent, compared to the same time last year.Our brave men and women of law enforcement (ICE) have already removed 2,798 criminal gang members, compared to 2,057 criminal gang members all of last year.

After his three trips abroad, our allies know they once again have no greater friend – and our enemies know they have no fiercer adversary – than the United States of America.

With the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch, the President delivered on his promise to put a Constitutional conservative on the United States Supreme Court, a decision that will have a positive impact on generations of Americans.Fact Sheet

BRINGING ACCOUNTABILITY BACK TO GOVERNMENT: In six months in office, President Trump has followed through on his promise to the American people to bring accountability back to government.

President Trump fulfilled his promise to the American people by nominating and, after Senate confirmation, appointing Neil Gorsuch as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

President Trump implemented higher ethical standards to make sure his Administration works for the American people.

President Trump signed an Executive Order implementing tough new lobbying standards for political appointees, including a five-year ban on lobbying and a lifetime ban on lobbying for foreign countries.

President Trump has donated his salary, following through on his promise to the American people.To make sure the Government serves the needs of all Americans, President Trump has called for a comprehensive plan to reorganize the executive branch and has used his budget to begin to implement his plan.

President Trump created the Office of American Innovation to streamline and improve the Government for future generations.

SPURRING JOBS CREATION: President Trump’s impact on the economy has been immediate, spurring job creation across the country.

President Trump signed the “Buy American and Hire American” Executive Order, prioritizing the interests of American businesses and workers.

“Buy American” promotes American industry, protecting it from unfair competition by targeting the abusive use of waivers and exceptions to laws on the books.

“Hire American” calls for the reform of our visa programs, ensuring that they no longer displace American workers, while fully enforcing laws governing the entry of foreign workers.

President Trump signed an Executive Order, making it easier for businesses to start and expand apprenticeship programs.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has increased 17 percent since election day, hitting new highs 25 times this year already.

Since January, the economy added 863,000 jobs, including 821,000 in the private sector.79,000 construction jobs added since January.42,000 mining and logging jobs added since January.41,000 manufacturing jobs added since January.

CUTTING DOWN JOB KILLING REGULATIONS: Just six months in office, President Trump has taken historic action to eliminate wasteful and costly regulations that have stood in the way of hardworking Americans.

The American Action Forum estimates a potential $70 billion in costs reductions from President Trump’s actions to cut back regulations.

President Trump has signed 14 Congressional Review Act resolutions into law, ending burdensome Obama-era rules and regulations, more than all other Presidents combined.

By withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, President Trump protected America from a bad deal that would have harmed our economy.

According to a study by NERA Consulting, meeting the Obama Administration’s obligations under the Paris Climate Accord could have cost the United States economy nearly $3 trillion.

According to the same study, 6.5 million industrial sector jobs could have been lost, including 3.1 million manufacturing sector jobs.

In order to control regulatory costs, President Trump signed an Executive Order mandating that for every one new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated.

Through infrastructure reform and investment, the Trump Administration aims to dramatically reduce permit approvals for projects from 10 years to 2 years, spurring investment and job creation.

OPENING UP AMERICAN ENERGY: In six months, President Trump has turned around America’s policy on energy production after years of opposition.

President Trump has acted aggressively to increase exports of our energy resources to a global market.

Updated guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the United States to export coal.Expedited the permitting and approval processes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals and exports, including the approval of the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana.

President Trump has unleashed oil and gas development in the United States by expanding access to resources and the infrastructure needed to get them to market.

Signed an Executive Order mandating future pipeline work to be done by American workers and with American steel.

Expedited new pipeline approval and production, such as the New Burgos Pipeline to Mexico.

Signed an Executive Order to extend offshore oil and gas drilling and reissued a leasing program to develop offshore resources.

Boosting oil and gas development on Federal lands.The Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering an Obama-era rule on greenhouse gas emissions that is estimated to cost oil and natural gas operators as much as $530 million annually.

President Trump kept his campaign promise to coal miners and rolled back the previous Administration’s “Stream Protection Rule,” which targeted the beleaguered industry with estimated costs of at least $81 million a year.

A FREE AND FAIR TRADE AGENDA: President Trump is putting America First in trade negotiations, pursuing reciprocal agreements with our trading partners so everyone benefits.

One of President Trump’s first actions was to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, after the Obama Administration’s efforts failed to protect American workers.

President Trump announced he will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to better reflect our modern economy while benefitting all parties so involved.

This week, the United States Trade Representative released its objectives for upcoming NAFTA negotiations.

Last week, the President began the process of renegotiating the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Negotiations President Trump started with China on economic cooperation have already produced results for American businesses.

For the first time in 14 years, American beef imports have returned to China.

China is welcome to negotiate contracts to import American liquefied natural gas.

President Trump delivered on his campaign promise to roll back the Obama Administration’s bad deal on Cuba that benefitted the Cuban regime at the expense of the Cuban people.

RESTORING LAW AND ORDER TO IMMIGRATION: President Trump has prioritized enforcing immigration laws in his first six months to protect all Americans, ensuring that our immigration system treats everyone fairly.

President Trump instituted tough immigration policies that have reduced illegal border crossings by 53 percent compared to the same time last year.The President ordered the hiring of 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, including 5,000 additional border patrol agents.

Within the first 100 days of President Trump signing his executive orders on immigration enforcement, ICE conducted nearly 40 percent more Enforcement and Removal Operations compared to the same time last year.

Arrests of convicted criminal aliens climbed by nearly 20 percent in this time compared to the same time last year.

In fiscal year 2017, ICE has removed over 2,700 criminal gang members, compared to 2,057 criminal gang members in all of fiscal year 2016.ICE has specifically targeted MS-13 criminal gang members for removal on immigration violations.

To jumpstart construction on the border wall, the President ordered the Department of Homeland Security to use $100 million of unspent appropriations in its account for border security, fencing and infrastructure.

President Trump directed executive agencies to employ all lawful means to enforce the immigration laws of the United States, including clamping down on sanctuary cities.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions implemented new charging guidelines to end catch-and-release policies.

President Trump ordered the creation of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office at DHS, ensuring that our Government can no longer ignore the victims of criminal acts by illegal aliens.

PROVIDING FOR OUR NATION’S VETERANS: President Trump is making sure our veterans get the care they deserve after they have sacrificed for our country.

Under President Trump, Department of Veterans Affairs fired over 500 employees, suspended 200, and demoted 33, as part of President Trump’s efforts to restore integrity and accountability to a department charged with supporting our Nation’s heroes.22 senior leaders were disciplined.

President Trump signed the Veterans Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, enabling senior Veterans Affairs officials to fire failing employees while establishing important safeguards to protect whistleblowers.

The Veterans Affairs administration is shifting veterans’ electronic medical records to the same system used by the Defense Department, ending a decades-old rift in sharing information between the two agencies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has acted to increase transparency and accountability by launching an online “Access and Quality Tool” to provide veterans a way to access wait time and quality of care data.

AMERICA FIRST FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL SECURITY: In the first six months of his Administration, President Trump has put America First in world affairs and national security.

During his historic speech in Poland, President Trump reasserted that America would defend its interests and allies after years of neglect by the previous Administration.

President Trump brokered a ceasefire in southwest Syria as part of his commitment to end the conflict, reduce human suffering, and defeat ISIS.

During his first international trip, President Trump supported the opening of a new “Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology” in Saudi Arabia, created to empower Muslim-majority countries to more effectively combat radicalization.

President Trump has increased pressure on Iran to end its destructive and destabilizing actions in the Middle East, including its continued ballistic missile research.

This week, the United States sanctioned sixteen entities and individuals that have supported Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guard Corps in the development of drones, fast attack boats, and other military equipment.

President Trump has allowed the military to push back against threats to our interests and allies.In his first six months, President Trump worked with our partners and allies in the Middle East to defeat ISIS, leading to Iraqi forces recapturing Mosul.

After the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against civilians, President Trump authorized strikes against the airbase that launched the chemical attacks, demonstrating our national commitment to preventing further atrocities.President Trump has lifted restrictions that had prevented the Secretary of Defense and our commanders in the field from fully using their judgement and expertise.

NEWS OF THE DAY

HealthcareThe President hosted Republican senators for lunch at the White House, and his message was simple: It’s time to get repeal and replace done.

INACTION IS NOT AN OPTION.

The President said, “I don’t think we should leave town unless we have a health insurance plan, unless we give our people great health care.”

“Any Senator who votes against is telling American you’re fine with Obamacare…A yes vote will let Senators debate the future of health care and suggest different ways to improve the bill.”

“I’m ready to act… I have pen in hand.”

The White House is open to all potential solutions:A clean repeal with time built in to craft a replacement; or,As the President would prefer a repeal and simultaneous replace.

HHS Secretary Tom Price, CMS Administrator Seeme Verma, and several members on the fence about the bill will attend a policy meeting tonight to hammer out the details of an agreement.

Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Senate will vote next week on whether to proceed with the current Senate bill.

What the President likes in the current GOP bill:Expands tax-free health savings accounts/HSAs to increase health coverage; and use of them to pay your premiums

Gives more control and funding back to the states; redirecting authority from Washington DC back to the states

Stabilizes the exchanges so that those preexisting conditions are protected

Saves Medicaid, which is on an unsustainable path, and provides better coverage for low-income Americans

Commits $45 billion to help combat the opioid epidemic

Repeals the individual mandate.

6.5 million Americans are choosing to PAY A TAX rather than buy insurance. We’re reintroducing CHOICE

Repeals the job-killing employer mandateLowers premiumsExpands coverage optionsProtects those with preexisting conditionsReforms a major entitlement program, which is a principle driver of our $20 trillion in debt

Background:Obamacare has failedSince 2013 premiums have more than doubled nationwide, in Alaska up over 200 percent

Despite promise premiums would decrease by $2,500 on average, they have actually increased by almost $3,000

Biggest lie: You can keep your doctor. You can keep your plan

If Obamacare isn’t repelled in 2018, over 1,300 counties in the US will have only one insurer40 counties have absolutely no coverage in the exchange

Commission on Election IntegrityElection integrity matters to every American:President Calvin Coolidge reminds us that the whole system of voters rest at the ballot box on Election DayThe right to vote is the crown jewel of American libertiesBy establishing this commission by executive order, President Trump is taking action to ensure the ballot box remains fair

The commission has been charged to study:How the registration and voting process is used in federal elections;To identify the laws, rules, policies, strategies, and practices that enhance the American people’s confidence in the integrity of our election system;And to explore the vulnerabilities in our system that could lead to improper voter registration and even improper voting, including cybersecurity concerns

The commission has no preconceived notions and no preordained result:It will simply gather facts and data, and at the conclusion of its work report findingsIt’s a bipartisan commission chaired by Vice President Mike Pence, with six Republicans and five Democrats members including New Hampshire’s Secretary of State Bill Gardner, AMERICAS LONGEST SERVING SECRETARY OF STATEMore than 30 states have indicated their intention to provide the voter information pursuant to the law of their states:The information the commission seeks is publicly available informationFor the states refusing to participate – what do they have to hide?

If Democrats contend there is no voter fraud, the commission will make their case for them because it will come up with nothingThe mainstream media’s general assertion that the commission is looking for a problem in the name of voter suppression is insulting:Most states haven’t done an in-depth investigation on voter fraud in their stateA Pew Research Center study found 1.8 million dead people were listed as voters, 12 million records with incorrect data, and 2.75 million persons registered in more than one state

A Heritage Foundation database has compiled 1,071 cases of proven instances of voter fraud across the U.S., the bulk of them prosecuted since 2000

Made in America WeekSince Day One President Trump has been fighting for the hardworking people of this country

He signed an executive order to Buy American and Hire American.

Targets the abusive use of waivers and exceptions that undermine “Buy American” laws meant to promote taxpayer money going to American companies.

Takes steps to stop the abuse of the immigration system and protect American workers, including proposing reforms to H-1B visa program and fully enforcing existing laws on foreign workers

He signed an executive order to promote and create more flexible apprenticeship programs so American workers can gain new skills.

Creates a task force to recommend ways to promote apprenticeships.

Directs the Department of Labor to use funds to promote apprenticeships in sectors where they are not widespread.

He has repeatedly taken action to remove burdensome regulations so businesses can build in America.

The American Action Forum estimates President Trump has saved over $60 billion in regulatory costs.

Withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord that would have cost the U.S. economy $3 trillion and 6.5 million industrial sector jobs.

Has begun the process of reducing permitting time for infrastructure projects from 10 years to 2.

Signed an Executive Order mandating that for every new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated.

He has worked to free America’s energy potential to open up new opportunities for American workers and businesses.

He took action to help ensure that new energy pipeline construction and repair work use materials and equipment from the United States.

Update guidance from the Treasury Department to allow the U.S. to export coal.

Withdrew from the Paris Accord, which undermined U.S. competitiveness and job creation.He took action to enforce immigration laws and reform our immigration system so that it puts the needs of American workers first.

Illegal immigration apprehensions and inadmissible crossings are down over 52 percent compared to the same time last year.

He is following through on reciprocal free and fair trade that benefits America’s workers and products.

He withdrew the United States from the job-killing Trans Pacific Partnership

He has begun the process to renegotiate NAFTA so it no longer disadvantages American businesses.

Has begun the process of renegotiation the free trade agreement with South Korea after the trade deficit has grown and our exports have fallen

The OKGOP staff is always here to help you and answer questions, feel free to contact us at the OKGOP Headquarters at 405-528-3501.

Upcoming Special Elections

State House District 76Republican Primary Election Date: August 8, 2017General Election Date: November 14, 2017

If you’d like to volunteer to help with the Get Out The Vote effort for any of these elections, please reach out to our State Political Director, Brandon Baumgarten at brandon@okgop.com

Minuteman Update

The Minutemen were designed to stand up, grab their muskets, and defend their countrymen at a moment’s notice. You too, can become a Minuteman and help the OKGOP prepare for the future ahead. When you sign up to become an OKGOP Minuteman, your contribution of $10 a month or more will go to help us defend special election seats, assist republican candidates in embattled demographics, and help advance our Republican platform going forward. If you would like to become an OKGOP Minuteman, click here.

Public Official of the Week

"Senator John McCain"

"We are taught to understand correctly, that courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity for action despite our fears." - Senator John McCain

Please keep Senator McCain in your thoughts and prayers as he was diagnosed with brain cancer. We wish Senator McCain the best.

Quote of the Week

"He serves his party best who serves the country best." –President Rutherford B. Hayes

Oklahoma GOP Facebook Fridays

Check out our Oklahoma GOP Facebook Fridays around the noon hour where we talk about issues, candidates, upcoming elections, and so much more. Its great way for you to stay up to date on all things OKGOP and see all that is going on within our party. To follow our OKGOP Facebook page, click here.

We are so excited the re-launch of Oklahoma Solutions and look forward to revealing more about it in the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for upcoming announcements and news alerts about this highly-anticipated program. Your solutions and voices matter to us.

The OKGOP operates 100% on generous donations from supporters like you. CLICK HERE to help keep your party operational in 2017!

OKGOP Weekly Update: March 24th, 2017

Published: 26 March 2017

OKGOP Weekly Update: March 24th, 2017

OKLAHOMA SOLUTIONS has been a huge success in its first two weeks! We have received a myriad of solutions from all across Oklahoma! If you have solutions for our government, we want to continue hearing from you! (email us at: Solutions@okgop.com)

We would like to share just a few of the many solutions we have received so far, which differ from the input we published last week. Some of these ideas are outside of the typical conservative philosophy, but we appreciate everybody's participation in OKLAHOMA SOLUTIONS. Be sure to continue checking back for the best solutions, and send us YOUR solutions for this incredible statewide project!

Last week, we published some interesting solutions and have set up a poll for you to rank the best ideas. Please take 3 minutes of your time to participate in this poll and also consider sharing it so that more people take it! You can access the poll by clickingHERE.

*Some responses have been edited for grammar and clarity, but the content has not been changed.

Courtesy of Cathy S:

Education Spending: eliminate superintendent positions and combine those positions over neighboring schools; those schools within 50 miles. Tulsa and OKC may need two superintendent positions depending on the number of schools. Use those savings for raises for our teachers and use an incentive program to award hard working teachers like some charter schools

Oklahoma Budget: Get someone like Tom Coburn in to see where the obvious wastes of government money is and eliminate those areas. Start a statewide "Waste List" like Senator Coburn did for the US Government

Courtesy of Karalee H:

Stop passing bills that are unconstitutional and waste taxpayer money to defend

Corporate Income Tax is at 0% for 5 months according to state revenue documents. Production tax is at 1%. It is a fallacy that oil & gas companies will leave if increased. They are not leaving North Dakota, and their production taxes are higher.

Implement higher taxes on cigarettes and gasoline

Courtesy of Jennifer F:

Reduce exemptions for gross production taxes from 2% to 4%

Increase cigarette tax

Increase gas tax

Repeal last 2 rounds of income tax cuts

Lower legislator pay to be comparable to the region.

Courtesy of MK:

We MUST change a predominant social attitude that those citizens demonstrating responsible behavior are legally required to guarantee the continued existence, comfort and longevity of the irresponsible. Government must get out of the business of trying to save EVERYONE (from street bum to corporate CEO) from their own poor decisions and bad habits

We may argue indefinitely the best way to achieve that attitudinal change. At this point, ANY way that moves us in that direction is better than the perpetuation of the misguided notion that people have a right to long, comfortable, carefree existence at someone else's expense and regardless of their own poor judgement, bad behavior and irresponsibility. Somehow the most egregious offenders have been encouraged to believe public celebration of their poor judgement, bad behavior and irresponsibility IS their right. Here's a revolutionary idea. Let's stop rewarding "mere existence and participation"

Over the last few years I have contacted an informal survey of my fellow physicians in Oklahoma and asked them if they would be willing to provide pro bono healthcare services for the poorest 10% or the 10% that falls in the gap between Medicaid eligibility and Obama care subsidies in exchange for the same privileged professional liability protections that are currently enjoyed by military and VA physicians. The response has been almost unanimous in the affirmative

If we extended the same type of professional liability safe harbor to hospitals, administrators, pharmaceutical companies, implant companies and other providers. I believe Oklahoma would attract other biomedical industries to our state

I believe the majority of Oklahoma physicians and hospitals would be willing to set aside one day out of 10 to care for our most vulnerable fellow Oklahomans if in exchange we were protected from the threats of onerous lawsuits in the same way the federal government protects VA and military physicians

We are excited about how many people have participated in OKLAHOMA SOLUTIONS during the previous two weeks!

Be on the lookout for more on this exciting project in the upcoming weeks. We look forward to hearing more of your ideas so that we can publish our book of OKLAHOMA SOLUTIONS to present to the legislature!

"It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty"-President James Monroe

OKGOP Schedule

April 8:

State Convention Committee Meetings for Platform, Rules and Credentials

April 22:Platform Committee Meeting #2 (Only if needed)

May 5:OKGOP Gala Dinner

May 6:2017 Oklahoma Republican State Convention at First Moore Baptist Church in Moore, OK.

More information will be provided as these events approach.

County News

Precinct Meetings and County Conventions will be held NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017. Precinct Meetings and County Conventions are scheduled on a Precinct-by-Precinct and County-by-County basis. For more information, contact your respective County or Precinct. Below is a list of counties who have contacted us about their scheduled meetings.

You are invited to attend the Public Affairs Forum on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the OCCC Sarkeys Atrium in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating is the third speaker in the Oklahoma City Community College Public Affairs Forum series. The nonpartisan forum is designed to give students, faculty, staff, and the community members insight into the politics during the speaker’s time in office and how those political issues impact Oklahoma today. The forum features a past or current Oklahoma political leader each semester.

Keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube! We are constantly updating, sharing news stories, recording interviews with legislators, and doing merchandise giveaways! Click the Facebook and Twitter buttons below to be redirected to our OKGOP social media profiles!